The Causes and Effects of Lead Contamination in Drinking Water

Lead contamination in drinking water has been a major concern for Americans for decades, but became even more so after the water crisis in Flint, Michigan came to light in 2014. However, those concerns haven’t dissipated as Benton Harbor, Michigan has recently undergone its own water crisis and the Guardian has released a report documenting the extent of contamination in drinking water across the entire U.S. In this article, we’ll focus on the causes and effects of lead contamination in drinking water.

Causes of Lead Contamination in Drinking Water

We’ve all heard of lead contamination, but how exactly does lead get into water? Lead contamination occurs when there’s a chemical reaction in equipment that contains lead. This reaction is known as corrosion—the dissolving or wearing away of metal. Corrosion can be more extreme when water is low in minerals or is highly acidic. Other factors that impact how much lead gets into water include water temperature, alkalinity of the water, wear in the pipes, the types of minerals in the water, the treatment used for water, and more.

There are many different places where corrosion can cause lead contamination, but these are the most common:

• Homes with lead service lines that connect to the main water line
• Other types of service pipes and plumbing fixtures—like brass—that are soldered with lead
• Drinking water fountains with lead-lined tanks
• Plumbing fixtures not intended for water consumption—like hoses, spigots, hand washing sinks, and more

Effects of Lead Contamination in Drinking Water

Exposure to drinking water contaminated with lead can cause a variety of health and developmental issues. These negative effects include:

• Issues for children—like behavior and learning problems, stunted growth, lower IQ, hyperactivity, anemia, hearing problems, and, in rare cases, seizures, coma, and even death
• Issues for adults—like reproductive problems, decreased kidney function, hypertension, and other cardiovascular issues
• Issues for pregnant mothers—like stunted growth of the fetus or premature birth

One of the best ways to make sure you and your loved ones are safe and avoid lead contamination in water is to use a water filter. At Aqua Clara, we provide access to clean water by designing, developing, and disseminating clean water technologies to benefit those who live on less than $2 per day. We also aim to provide safe drinking water by offering our Universal Cartridge Filter, which reduces many different contaminants. You can purchase a filter directly from our website, or they are also now available at Wal-Mart and on Amazon. 

Our Universal Cartridge Filter fits most household filter products, includes a rubber seal to protect against contamination, and will purify your home's drinking water at a reasonable price. The proceeds from these filters help fund our projects all over the world, so consider helping us make a difference by purchasing a filter today!

About Aqua Clara International

Scientists long ago discovered how to purify unsafe water.  To us, the central issue has been in designing solutions that are both sustainable and scalable and that can reach the millions in need while at the same time continuing to function without sustained outside input.  Our target populations are those individuals and families who live on $2 per day or less.

We are a technology transfer organization. Our niche in clean water continues to be in designing science-based technologies that utilize locally available materials where possible and then transferring what we learn to those working in areas of need.  The cost of our technologies varies by country and is dependent on the prevailing costs of raw materials, such as plastic containers, PVC piping, sand, etc. Learn more by visiting our website.